Speaking in a foreign language requires you to think about what you’re saying and how well you’re doing while looking at the person who’s listening to you for signs that you aren’t completely messing up.
There are 7 categories, or criteria, that can be used to rate spoken language. All of these are present each time you open your mouth and try to negotiate a cab fare, explain to your teacher why you don’t have your homework, invite your business counterpart out for dinner, or stand up to deliver a speech. Each of these categories functions independently. They are:
1. Accent. Accent refers to how understandable your speech is given your accent.
2. Delivery. Delivery refers to your rate of speech. Do you hesitate while search for words? Or are you speaking fluidly?
3. Grammar. Many learners at the beginning stages have difficulty with delivery because they are focused on verb conjugations, word order, and matching case or gender. Where are you with your grammar skills?
4. Vocabulary. What words do you use? Do you have the words to express yourself and your ideas?
5. Quantity. How much language do you use when you speak? Are you able to use sentences? Organized paragraphs? Or maybe you’ve just started and are at the word and phrase stage?
6. Culture. Are you aware of what is proper to say in your second language when you take into account a particular situation or context? Can you finesse your way through difficult situations without insulting someone?
7. Global Skills. When it comes down to it, can you use your language to meet your needs?
In the next several posts, I’ll discuss each of these factors and go into more detail about how they work in spoken language, focusing on strategies you can use to (1) raise your awareness about your current skill level with a given factor and (2) work on strengthening your speaking skills with that factor.
Want to know where your skill level is right now?
Request a free English speaking diagnostic (oral proficiency interview or language proficiency interview) using the Test My English link above.
You’ll receive a report which you can use as a reference guide to follow along with the post series. This will help you understand exactly how spoken language works. I can test both native speakers and second/foreign language speakers, so be in touch!
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